"Ice cream cone" design of forearm free flap for orbital exenteration reconstruction

Reconstruction post-orbital exenteration serves the dual purpose of expediting healing, laying the groundwork for cosmetic restoration, and minimising complications such as orbitosinusal fistulae. The aim of this study was to introduce a modified "Ice cream cone" (ICC) design of the Radial Forearm Free Flap (RFFF) technique used for reconstruction of orbital exenteration cavity, along with the oncological, functional, and aesthetic outcomes.

The authors conducted a retrospective study between January 2005 and December 2020. Inclusion criteria encompassed patients treated for orbitosinusal malignancies undergoing exenteration with subsequent ICC design of RFFF reconstruction.

Twenty-two patients underwent exenteration with the ICC design of RFFF. At the follow-up conclusion, 65% of patients regularly used orbital prosthesis. The average waiting time until the prosthesis was 10 months. Quality of life questionnaires yielded average RFFF POSAS scores of 23.5 (SD 13,6), cervical POSAS scores of 8 (SD 13,2), and orbital cavity rehabilitation scores of 5.9 (SD: 3,32).

ICC design of RFFF is a reliable technique. It can be proposed in cases of extended exenteration with a high risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) but more generally in cases of total exenteration. This technique facilitates optimal postoperative wound healing and accommodates early radiotherapy. Importantly, the bowl-shaped aspect of the orbital socket supports effective prosthetic rehabilitation for patients opting for orbital prosthesis post-surgery.